Kernel Module Loaded with Tainting Flags

Last updated 14 days ago on 2026-08-05

Created 14 days ago on 2026-08-05

About

This rule detects the loading of tainted kernel modules on Linux systems. A tainted kernel module indicates that the module is not officially supported or may have been modified. Attackers may load tainted kernel modules to maintain persistence or evade detection on the system. This may be a sign of malicious activity involving kernel modules.

Tags

Domain: EndpointOS: LinuxUse Case: Threat DetectionTactic: PersistenceTactic: Defense EvasionTactic: Privilege EscalationData Source: Elastic DefendLanguage: eql

Severity

medium

Risk Score

MITRE ATT&CK™

Persistence (TA0003)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

Defense Evasion (TA0005)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Rootkit (T1014)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

Privilege Escalation (TA0004)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

License

Elastic License v2(external, opens in a new tab or window)

Definition

Rule Type: Event Correlation Rule
Integration Pack: Prebuilt Security Detection Rules
Index Patterns: logs-endpoint.events.process*
Related Integrations: endpoint(external, opens in a new tab or window)
Query

✄𐘗text code block:
✄𐘗process where host.os.type == "linux" and event.type == "start" and event.action == "load_module" and
process.Ext.load_module.taint_flags != null

Install detection rules in Elastic Security

Detect Kernel Module Loaded with Tainting Flags in the Elastic Security detection engine by installing this rule into your Elastic Stack.

To setup this rule, check out the installation guide for Prebuilt Security Detection Rules(external, opens in a new tab or window).